Photo: Darrien Land / 500px / Getty Images
Naples, FL - A large alligator was safely removed from a residential swimming pool in Naples after homeowners discovered the animal swimming in their backyard late at night.
The incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. when a couple let their dog outside and noticed unusual movement in their pool.
After turning on the lights, they realized a full sized alligator was swimming laps in the water.
The homeowners immediately contacted local authorities for assistance.
Wildlife officials and a licensed alligator trapper arrived at the property to handle the situation.
Video recorded at the scene shows the trapper entering the pool area and carefully maneuvering around the animal using professional equipment.
The alligator resisted briefly, splashing and rolling as the trapper worked to secure it.
Once restrained, the alligator’s jaws were taped shut to prevent injury to responders.
The animal was then pulled from the pool and placed into a transport trailer.
Officials later confirmed the alligator measured approximately 7 feet 11 inches in length.
No injuries were reported during the encounter, and the homeowners remained inside their house while the removal took place.
Wildlife authorities stated that the alligator was taken away from the neighborhood and relocated in accordance with state wildlife procedures.
Florida is home to more than one million alligators, and encounters with humans increase during warmer months when the animals are more active.
Officials routinely remind residents that alligators can enter residential areas through nearby canals, ponds, or drainage systems, especially after heavy rainfall.
Residents are advised not to approach or attempt to handle alligators and to contact wildlife professionals if one is spotted on private property.
Authorities emphasized that prompt reporting helps ensure public safety and allows for the humane removal of the animal.
